Excerpts from: an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Friday, February 18, 2005 By Dave Molinari

Lemieux, Gretzky in resurrection bid?

Commissioner Gary Bettman killed the 2004-05 NHL season with a news conference announcement Wednesday.

Perhaps, he should have driven a stake through its heart.

The season that never lived now refuses to die, with reports of covert conversations between players and owners bent on crafting a collective bargaining agreement that might make some semblance of a regular season possible.

Ted Saskin, senior director of the NHL Players' Association, released a statement last night suggesting he knew of no such discussions and does not anticipate any.

"I have heard a number of rumors today about owners looking to continue the negotiations which Gary ended with his ... final proposal," Saskin said. "We have had no contact with the league office since the correspondence back and forth on Tuesday.

"Like every day during this process, players have called in to our offices to discuss issues relating to the CBA negotiations. All the players understand the basis upon which Gary canceled the season. As a result, there is no expectation among the players that there would be any further negotiations."

Hours earlier, Detroit center Steve Yzerman fueled speculation about a resurrected season with remarks he made to The Hockey News.

"I know the season's been canceled," Yzerman said. "But it's not too late to uncancel it."

The Hockey News, citing unnamed sources, reported that Penguins owner Mario Lemieux and Phoenix managing partner Wayne Gretzky were trying "to talk some sense into the [NHLPA's] executive committee."

Lemieux could not be reached for comment but taking an active role in the talks would represent a major change in philosophy for him. Aside from speaking with some players who happen to be friends, such as Toronto winger Tie Domi, Lemieux has kept a low profile throughout the negotiations.

"As of late, I chose to not get involved," he said Wednesday.

Gretzky, who also has remained mostly in the background since the lockout began Sept. 15, told a Toronto radio that he is "not involved in discussions with anyone."

Some members and officials of the NHLPA believe Bettman might have acted in haste several times this week, delivering the league's final offer, which featured a salary cap of $42.5 million, and canceling the season before either move was necessary.

When Bettman canceled the season, there was a $6.5 million gap between the salary cap proposals the two sides had exchanged, along with other unresolved issues.

The whole article can be read at:
[link|http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05049/459574.stm|http://www.post-gaze.../05049/459574.stm]

WHOOO HOOO!!!! WAY TO GO, MARIO!!!!!!

Owls have all their claws crossed! Come on Mario, get it done!

Brenda